24 
OPERATIONS FOR FEBRUARY. 
state of the weather, with unfailing attention to this point in a dry season, will well repay the labour 
expended in its performance. 
The increase, removal, and arrangement of herbaceous plants, without further delay, should be 
finished. In forming new, or filling up old clumps of Hollyhocks , too much care cannot be bestowed 
upon the plants removed, as, from their experiencing a check in removal, the strength of their 
future flower-stems will be materially lessened. They will be greatly benefited by plunging the 
whole of their roots into a mass of semi-liquid manure, or even good soil brought to that state. 
The beds of the flower garden should be prepared for their summer occupants, by digging, 
supplying fresh soil, leaf-mould, rotten dung, &c., according to the various circumstances that 
regulate their introduction to each. 
The different plant structures now demand particular attention to be given to their various 
inmates ; wherever plants are in flower, and such are so disposed as to come under observation, 
there an air of neatness, order, and, as far as practicable, dryness must be maintained, ever quali- 
fying all with the strictest regard to cleanliness. The utility of a compliance with the last direc- 
tion is always evident in its execution. Instructions of less moment in their aspect, but immensely 
significant in their bearing upon the future, are those which direct a careful examination as to the 
quality, quantity, and state of preservation, of the numerous plants, upon which depends an 
efficacious display of floral beauty throughout the summer and autumn. The result of the 
examination in question will discover, according to various circumstances, what steps it will be 
necessary to take, as regards the propagation of particular genera or species, the increase of indi- 
vidual plants, &c. 
From the late mild weather and spring-like temperature that has abounded, it has been very 
difficult to prevent soft-wooded plants bursting into premature growth. An unusual tendency to 
dampness will also be very prevalent. The various remedies we have previously given, to coun- 
teract the injurious effects of the latter, must be unceasingly resorted to, and the admission of all 
air possible, with a vigilant regard to maintaining the plants, and every object adjacent, as perfectly 
dry as circumstances will permit, to preserve them from precocious growth. 
Collections of plants should henceforth be repeatedly inspected, singling out any that may 
require potting, and carefully performing that operation upon them, thereby superseding the erro- 
neous, but not unusual, practice of doing the whole simultaneously. 
Orchidece will this month require especial attention : the majority is generally potted ; but 
those only which are starting into growth should be operated upon, and these will require very 
carefully dealing with ; it is most advisable to keep the new growth, bursting from each, well elevated 
above the material placed for their roots to ramify into. A peculiar regard must be had to admi- 
nistering to each plant an increased supply of water, as it exhibits the need of it. A master 
hand, though, must regulate that supply, as an incalculable amount of mischief is soon done by an 
improper application of this element. 
The houses or pits devoted to forcing flowers must be regularly supplied, to enable a corre- 
sponding display to be maintained where they are placed when in flower; as each plant sheds its 
flowers, it should be placed in a suitable temperature to mature its growth, not thrown aside as 
useless, as is too often the case. In addition to the various species usually forced, many free- 
flowering plants from the stove and greenhouse may now be introduced and gently brought into 
flower. 
An examination of the seeds of annuals should take place, selecting for sowing those of delicate 
kinds intended for the open ground, and which it is necessary to raise and cultivate in pots, care- 
fully tending them, not permitting their flowering, but rendering them bushy by repeatedly 
pinching off the points of their shoots, till it is time to place them in the situation they are destined 
finally to occupy. Any new species, the rarer kinds, and those which are often employed 
by having a successional supply, to give variety and create a lively effect in the houses through the 
summer, should be sown now, or otherwise, as it is wished to have them in flower. The scarce and 
valuable Dahlia tubers must be placed in a little warmth ; if slight bottom-heat can be given 
them, they will break more healthily and effectually ; their treatment as to increase must depend 
upon the number of plants required, &c. ; it is most injurious to force the plants to a larger size 
before they are planted out, which is repeatedly done, to their manifest harm. 
To provide against being overtaken by severe frost, every description and variety of protecting 
materials should be kept in perfect readiness. 
